Mizzima: Burmese media claim army overran KIO base

Burma’s state-run media have run articles on Thursday saying that the Burmese army, supported by air cover, seized Point-771 hill and its surrounding area near Laja Yang from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on December 30.

The KIA is the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) which has opposed Burma’s central government for decades, calling for autonomy for Kachin State.

Burmese media have been largely quiet about the conflict in Kachin State, and only this week admitted that government forces were conducting air strikes on KIA positions.

In the attack, the Burmese army seized a 120-mm mortar, a 60-mm mortar, 270 hand grenades, 52 landmines, 4,000 bullets and 13 other weapons, the reports said, stressing that the hill was being used by the KIA to launch attacks on government forces.

Delegations from Naypyitaw have signed ceasefires with 10 armed groups and held peace negotiations with the KIA 11 times, Burmese media said, and have acquiesced to Kachin demands to resolve issues related to military outposts.

United to End Genocide: Marching to Genocide in Burma

Fortify Rights: Policies of Persecution

US Campaign for Burma: Report Card of US Companies Investing in Burma

Karen Human Rights Group: Truce or Transition? Trends in human rights abuse and local response in Southeast Myanmar since the 2012 ceasefire

USCIRF: 2014 Annual Report (Burma)

Harvard Law: Preventing Indiscriminate Attacks and Wilful Killings of Civilians by the Myanmar Military